Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB461

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/28/23
• Refer: 9/28/23
• Report Pass: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Report Pass: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/8/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Allowing certain municipalities to increase the rate of the premier resort area tax. (FE)

Impact

The bill specifically aims to enhance the ability of municipalities to capture additional revenue through the premier resort area tax, facilitating funding for public safety expenses. This aligns the financial needs of these resort areas with increased tourism activity, potentially resulting in improved safety services such as fire and police. The proposal to designate that increased tax revenue can only be used for public safety purposes significantly shifts the funding paradigm for these municipalities, emphasizing public welfare in budgeting decisions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 461 allows certain municipalities that have enacted a premier resort area tax ordinance prior to January 1, 2000, to increase the tax rate up to a maximum of 1.5 percent. Previously, these municipalities could only set the tax rate at a maximum of 1.25 percent. The bill requires that any increase must be approved by a resolution adopted by the municipality's governing body and a majority of electors voting on the resolution at a referendum. This added requirement ensures that local citizens have a direct say regarding increases in taxation that will impact their communities.

Contention

While proponents argue that the additional revenue will enhance public safety and support infrastructure needs in tourist-heavy municipalities, opponents may contend that increasing local taxes without a comprehensive discussion could disproportionately affect businesses and residents vulnerable to higher living costs. There might also be concerns regarding the frameworks for transparency and accountability in how the increased tax revenue is utilized once collected. Discussions around the bill may also touch on the balance between local autonomy in decision-making versus overarching state legislative oversight.